Chapter Ten
Chapter Ten
“What is this?” Scowling, Alex glanced at Gavin.
“Have a look yourself.” His younger brother hedged with a shrug. “Worth considering.”
Alex picked up the glossy blue presentation folder from the middle of the conference room table.
As typical, on Friday after lunch, they met with some of their managers to discuss what had happened in the days prior. The team also strategized about where they were going and set expectations for the upcoming weeks. Mostly the time together ensured he had no blind spots so that nothing slipped through the cracks, like it had in the past. The company—and their clients—deserved it, even though it was a big-time commitment.
He snapped his back teeth together when he saw the front of the glossy packet was embossed with their logo…and that of You’re The Star. Chelsea’s company.
Persistent didn’t begin to cover the extent of her determination.
Despite himself, he flipped open the cover.
Inside were numerous full-color documents, all containing various ideas for PR events. Naturally, handled by her—for a nice fee.
What was surprising, but shouldn’t have been, was the amount of detail she’d included. Timelines, possible venues, suggestions for catering, charities to consider helping, resources required, commitments needed from him, Gavin, and the team. She’d done her research well, with no feedback from him. “Where the hell did you get this?” He studied his brother.
“Arrived by courier yesterday afternoon, addressed to the office manager. She gave it to me since you were working from home.”
So Chelsea had paid the expense to have it hand delivered. Impressive. “You know who put this together, don’t you?”
“Yeah. Your trainee.”
Alex flipped the proposal closed and tapped his finger with finality, then slid the packet back to the middle of the table. “That would mean mixing business with pleasure.” He dropped into his chair at the head of the table. “It’s a bad combination, and you know it.”
“Is it? I think you’re letting your relationship—or whatever the hell you two have—cloud your judgment. She’s right that we could use the positive PR. We’ve had a couple of conversations about our current company. That’s been on the agenda more than once. They collect payment every month, but what do we get in return?” Gavin allowed his question to hang in the air.
After picking up his water bottle, Gavin added, “When’s the last time you saw anything this comprehensive?”
“Firms do anything to win business.” Which they knew all too well. “Retaining it is another matter.”
“It’s time to consider making changes. The company we’re using is great at crisis management. That’s their specialty, and they‘ve earned their money. But we need to keep our name out there, and doing things that give us a good name is crucial. We need to terminate our contract with them and move on.”
Though he agreed in principle, he couldn’t work with Chelsea. “This isn’t the right option.”
“One of the reasons we have meetings is to look at places where we need to be more thoughtful.” Gavin twisted the lid on his drink, then leveled a hard look at Alex. “You’re not being objective.”
Fuck that. Even if it was true. “And you’re proposing a risk that we shouldn’t take.”
The first of their management team arrived, then, as if sensing the tension between the brothers, headed straight for the cookies and power drinks.
“Consider it,” Gavin suggested.
Alex didn’t respond.
An hour and a half later, working on projections in his home office, the unresolved conversation still rankled.
At two minutes before three o’clock, a car engine shut off.
Alex glanced up from his computer screen and turned to look out the window of his study. Unsurprisingly, Chelsea was right on time.
Beautiful and sassy, with sunshine playing off the highlights in her hair, she emerged from her vehicle. After grabbing her purse, she closed the door, then, at the bottom of the driveway, she paused to smooth the front of her skirt and square her shoulders.
As always, she took his breath away. Pleasing him, she’d worn heels. Maybe because he’d told her he intended to take her to dinner. Or perhaps she’d had an important day at work. It couldn’t be because she knew how much they appealed to him.
Fuck it.
If he were a smarter man, he’d have stopped training her before now.
Instead, he was becoming addicted to her.
Relinquishing her to another was going to be one of the most difficult things he’d ever done.
Turning away from the window, Alex rubbed the back of his neck.
Why the hell hadn’t he stayed true to his vow not to train submissives—especially ones he was attracted to?
Maybe twenty seconds later, she knocked on his front door. Even though he’d said it wasn’t necessary, she did so, regardless.
Slight sounds floated toward him as she entered, then a soft snick informed him she’d closed and locked the front door behind her.
The staccato beat of her heels on hardwood followed. Presumably she was making her way into the living room. Then there was silence.
More so than usual, he’d looked forward to her arrival.
He enjoyed her company, and he liked knowing she was preparing for him, stripping off her clothes and folding them in a perfect pile.
Not liking the way he hungered for her—as if he were her Dom instead of a trainer—he fought back his gnawing impulse to hurry to her and instead, he took his time closing his files and tidying his desk.
But that didn’t vanquish thoughts of her.
Damn, he loved compelling her surrender, forcing her to give up the control she liked to exert. And the way she responded to him in bed… A transformation came over her when she ceased her struggle. In bed, she was unrestrained. He’d never been with a woman so responsive and so vocal about it.
Each time he’d inserted a plug up her tight ass, she’d protested, but when he fucked her with it in, she screamed out her pleasure. When they had sex, her hot pussy enveloped his cock, and more than once over the last few days, she’d squeezed him so hard, she’d made him ejaculate sooner than he planned. His little pet wasn’t the only one drowning in physical need.
But it was more than that. Chelsea was passionate—relentless—in all her pursuits. She’d sent numerous emails reinforcing her suggestion that Monahan Capital host a charity function. Of course, she’d recommended her firm handle the event. Each solicitation contained a new suggestion or reason, so he knew she was always thinking about his business. She was nothing if not persistent. Taking no for an answer didn’t seem to be in her vocabulary, which pretty well meant he and Evan C were both done for.
Satisfied that he’d kept her waiting long enough, he pushed back from his desk.
Downstairs, he found her in the kneeling up position, with the dainty tweezer clamps biting into her nipples. “You’re doing well,” he told her.
After tomorrow, there wouldn’t be any reason to continue her training. She was comfortable with anal, her movements were pleasing, and for the most part, she followed direction without argument. Though they hadn’t spent a lot of time on service aspects, she didn’t seem to object like she had in the beginning. And…she sucked cock like a goddess. “Afternoon, sub.” He stopped behind her. “Have you climaxed since you left here last night?”
Though her breathing became more noticeable, she didn’t turn. “You forbade it, Sir.”
Clever. “Answer the question, Chelsea.”
“That was my answer,” she asserted.
He walked around to stand in front of the fireplace so he could look at her. And maybe he shouldn’t have. Her pouty lips were painted a sensual red, so damn sexy it was like waving a flag in front of a bull.
“I do not go behind your back, Sir, no matter how tempted I am. I wanted to please you. So, no. I did not come.”
Her answer delighted him, ridiculously so. He ached to grab her shoulders, yank her to her feet, devour her with a kiss, then fuck her until she acknowledged she belonged to him.
Where the fuck did that idea come from? Was he losing what little remained of his restraint? “Crawl upstairs to the play room.” His voice was gruffer than it needed to be, because once more, he needed to remind himself she wasn’t his—would never be his.
With elegance that proved she’d continued to hone her skills even when they were apart, Chelsea lowered herself to all fours. She managed to navigate each step without protest.
When they reached the landing, she continued.
“Very nice,” he said as he followed her down the hallway.
“Thank you, Sir.”
She didn’t ask him to remove the clamps, and with the way her body swayed, she had to be a little uncomfortable.
In the play room, she paused.
“Keep going. I want you on the cross, facing away from me.”
When she reached the sturdy base, she stood and spread her arms and legs wide, into the shape of an X.
Focusing on her as a trainee and not the woman he wanted, Alex secured her limbs then captured her chin. “How are the clamps?”
“Bearable, Sir. They’re better than the clovers.”
“Would you like me to remove them?”
Her answer was quick and honest. “If it pleases you, Sir.”
Those words… Could she be any more perfect? “If I were giving you an erotic flogging, I might request you leave them on as they would heighten your arousal in the event I let you come. For now, I’m all right with you concentrating on the flogging. So I will leave the choice to you.”
“In that case, Sir, I’d appreciate it if you got rid of the little beasts.”
“Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea.” He grinned.
“Sir is awesome. Amazingly generous.” Radiantly, she smiled at him.
He doubted she meant to be manipulative, but he liked the sight of her smile so much he’d allow her to get away with almost anything.
Refocusing, he captured her right breast in his palm and squeezed the flesh before releasing the clamp.
She sucked in a shallow breath. This time, he didn’t soothe the hurt.
Her body trembled, and when he released her, she sighed. “Thank you, Sir.”
“Ready for the next one?”
“Please.”
He squeezed her other breast and plucked the clamp from the tip. Then he gave in to temptation, licking and teasing the nipple until her breathing returned to normal.
“Sir, I know you don’t want me getting aroused, but…uhm, I am.”
Studying her, wide-eyed, pouty lips slightly parted, he slid two fingers between her legs. “You are damp.”
“I…” She moved her hips toward him, as much as her rigid restraints would allow.
He continued to rub her, back and forth, across her clit.
“Sir, may I come?” She strained against her bonds.
“Having your nipples clamped made you this wet?”
“Oh, Sir. Yes. No.”
He slid a finger inside her, pulled out again.
“Yes, it was from the clamps. But it was also because of last night’s spanking with your belt. And the way you smacked my pussy. I hardly slept last night because I wanted to have sex with you. I woke up thinking about you.”
Alex hadn’t just thought of her—he’d been obsessed with her.
“The truth is, it’s you, Sir. You turn me on. Everything about you, about this…” As she struggled, digging her toes into the floor, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m begging you. Please, please stop. If you keep doing that, I’m going to be helpless.”
“In other words, you don’t want to earn a punishment?”
“That’s not it.” Frantically, she shook her head. “I don’t want to displease you.”
To him, there were no sweeter words. “Come for me, Chelsea.” For me. Hand-fucking her, he bent his head to suck on the nipple he’d previously ignored.
Everything about her filled his senses, and he drank her in as she writhed and screamed.
He inserted a third finger, spreading her wide, teasing her nipple with his tongue, and pressing his thumb against her clit.
“Oh God…” She thrashed around helplessly, crying his name.
“Give it to me.”
Finally, her pussy constricted, and she shattered.
He released her nipple but kept his hand in place while he placed a gentle kiss on the side of her neck. “I love the way you come for me. Shameless little pet.”
As he removed his hand, she sobbed words of gratitude.
“You deserved it, and your responses are so delightful.”
After drawing several breaths, she lifted her head slightly. “I’ve never been like this with anyone else. It’s…what you do to me. And I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed sucking your cock last night. I don’t know how to say this…”
“Take your time.”
“You make me happy to be a woman, Sir. Thank you for this experience. You opened a whole new world for me, and I’ll never be the same.” She blinked furiously. “And I’ll never forget you.”
For a moment, he froze, unsure how to respond. With the singular exception of Liz, women had been interchangeable. But Chelsea’s honest, raw expressions touched a place inside him that no other woman ever had.
Evan C is one lucky sonofabitch.
And Alex had a miserable, lonely future in front of him.
“Thank you for everything, Sir.”
“Believe me when I say the pleasure is mine.”
She swallowed deeply. “That means the world to me.”
“Do you still want to continue with a flogging?”
“I do. Being on this structure is mind-blowing. I wasn’t sure how I’d like it since I hated the posture collar. At first, I mean.”
He nodded.
“But I think I’m finally starting to understand what you meant from the start. I am freer to explore my own reactions when I’m restrained. I can fight, but I can’t get away. With the wrong person, it could be scary. With you it’s not.”
“There’s still more,” he said.
“I think I’m ready, Sir.”
He left her for a moment and returned with one of the floggers he’d selected in advance. “You’ll notice this one has fairly thick strands. It will make a thuddy kind of impact. As far as floggers go, it’s considered quite innocuous. Do keep in mind, how it’s wielded makes all the difference.”
“You showed me that when you used the cane on me, Sir.”
“Precisely. Where I land the spank, the force behind my wrist, where I stand, all of it factors into your corresponding pain.” He shook out the leather.
She looked at it with an expression of curiosity rather than fear.
“If I wanted to flog you for half the night until you went into subspace, I’d choose this one.” And maybe he should. He’d had no idea she would respond so favorably to pain. “After I’ve warmed up your skin, I’ll switch to a different one.” He exchanged the floggers and returned to her. “This is one of several I use for punishment, or for a very experienced sub who enjoys impact play. I want to be clear that you’re neither being punished, nor do I consider you anything other than a novice.” He flicked his wrist, and the sound was that of a distant waterfall. He’d forgotten how much he liked holding this type of whip. “I am introducing you to its feel. If you’ll notice, the strands are thinner, so it results in a powerful sting. Are you willing to try it?”
She hadn’t looked away from the leather strands.
Chelsea licked her upper lip before responding. “I think so, Sir.”
“You can always use your safe word.”
“In that case, can we get on with it, Sir?”
“You do like to tempt fate.”
“The longer I think about it, the more my dread will pile up.”
“In that case, perhaps I’ll tease you a little longer.”
She closed her eyes and sighed. “I should have known.”
He circled her, trying to increase her tension.
“Uhm, Sir… Can I ask about something?”
As a way to cope with his intentional stress? “Yes, sub?”
“Did you get my proposal yesterday?”
Stunned, he stopped walking. You want to talk about business?
Before he could answer, she went on. “I was thinking the Den would be an excellent place to take some photos. You know, maybe we could go early and catch the sunset as a backdrop. The firepit is also a good option. And maybe a hat like you wore that first night. We can try some each way, different looks, capture something that would be good for your image. The idea is to make you look more relatable, rather than the boring, same old, same old corporate headshots.”
Impressive spiel. “Did you rehearse that?”
Rather than responding, she breathlessly continued. “You could wear business casual like you are now, and then maybe, change into some leather pants. I mean, they’d be super sexy on you.”
The hell? She’d presented her ideas and then ended on a compliment to hopefully disarm him. All while being naked, secured to the cross. He’d thought she’d stop at nothing to win at business. Turned out, he’d underestimated her.
“I will choose my attire, girl. And yours.”
“That’s awesome. Because I never know what to wear.”
“As I’ve mentioned, and I’m final, Monahan Capital has its own PR firm. And I’m not running for political office. I don’t need to look anything other than professional.” In fact, he did that on purpose to rebuild trust and credibility.
“Seeing you as a whole person can only enhance your image.”
Jesus. Did she ever stop? “Would you like to wear a dental dam?”
“Shutting up, Sir.”
“Good choice. In that case, we’ll get on with it.” Bringing himself back to the present, he crossed the room and placed the flogger with the first.
Then, as he took each step back to her, he was enchanted by whatever spell she held over him. He shook his head, reminding himself to concentrate on the fact he was her trainer. For the last night ever.
When he reached her, he trailed his touch over her body. “Release some of the tension out of your muscles.” He pressed his body against hers to uncurl her fists. The proximity hardened his cock, rocketing arousal through him.
Her breath caught. She felt his erection as surely as he did.
“Splaying your fingers will keep your muscles more supple.”
“Oh, Sir,” she said on a moan. “Do me?”
He couldn’t. Not any longer.
Resolved, he moved away to select the gentler flogger.
“I know I have to deserve your cock, Sir. I’ll do whatever I need to in order to earn the privilege.”
Temptress. If she only knew how close he was to dropping his pants and fucking her hard…
He took a few moments to mentally center himself. No way could he flog her until he was more in control of his reactions.
At least a minute passed before he was comfortable taking a few practice swipes with the flogger.
She flinched even though he wasn’t near her.
Finally satisfied, he returned to her. Her body looked so beautiful, so perfect, so ready to be reddened. He ran the handle down her spine, then between her buttocks. She stayed still like a well-behaved sub.
“Would you like to proceed?” A saner part of him preferred that she use her safe word.
“Yes, Sir.”
“I’m going to use this all over your back and buttocks, even your shoulders. I’ll warn you before I do anything more than that.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
He used light pressure as he allowed the leather tongues to caress her naked body. She moaned with each lick, and he smelled the sharp musk of her arousal. He’d advise any Dom who claimed her to do this to her regularly. “Ready for the next level?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He changed his angle and took a step back so he could get a fuller swing.
“Oh! Wow, Sir,” she said. She pulled as far away from the cross as possible in a silent offering.
Greedily, he accepted, flogging her bared body. Her skin turned a beautiful pink. Perspiration covered her. Her submission made her even more beautiful. “Are you doing okay, Chelsea?”
When she didn’t answer, he repeated the question. She wasn’t heading for subspace already, was she? He flicked his wrist with more pressure, and this time he elicited a moan from her.
“Please,” she said.
“Please?”
“Continue, Sir.”
He switched to the other flogger, and her first few moans exuded bliss. Then she fell silent. Her body went slack against the bonds. Beneath the steady rain of blows, the color of her skin changed from pink to light red, and her little sighs urged him on. Realizing she was mumbling, that she was flying in subspace, he tossed the flogger aside and knelt to release her ankles.
“You’ve pleased me immensely,” he told her as he stroked her skin. “I’m going to take care of you.”
“More, please.”
“Another time.” But that wouldn’t happen, even if he wanted it as well.
After unfastening her wrists, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to his suite.
That she snuggled against him rather than protesting told him she wasn’t in her usual frame of mind.
Somehow, he managed to pull back the duvet and place her on the mattress. He covered her and she burrowed into the pillow. “Please, Sir? Hold me?” She shivered a little.
How could he resist?
Alex bent to remove his boots, then kicked them to the side before crawling in next to her.
“Please fuck me,” she said when he pulled her against him.
“Chelsea…”
She turned to face him and placed a palm against his cheek. “I want you inside me.”
“You’re not thinking straight. Give it a few minutes.”
“I know this for a fact, Sir.”
He snagged her wrist. She had no idea how goddamn difficult this was for him. “Chelsea, I’m warning you…”
She pulled her hand away and trailed it down his chest, then lower to squeeze his cock. Despite the fact he was still wearing jeans, he hardened beneath her determined touch. She tightened her grip and moved her hand up and down with a firm stroke. The vixen used her free hand to unbuckle his belt. By the time he stopped her, she’d loosened the waist and started to pull down the zipper.
“I know what I’m doing,” she reasserted. “And I want your cock.”
The primal need to own her driving him, he grabbed a condom from the nightstand. He pressed the packet into her palm and said, “Open it.”
While she did, he stood to remove his clothes.
“Let me put it on for you?” she asked.
“I should make you use your mouth.”
“If that’s what Sir wishes.”
With her red lipstick? His dick pulsed in response. Fuck yes.
He stood at the side of the bed, cock jutting out. Her touch wasn’t skilled, and that made it all the more arousing. “Roll the condom,” he coached. “Don’t pull it.”
“Oh.” Her face flushed, and that delighted him.
She didn’t manage to get it all the way down with her mouth, but he’d never forget the sight of her choking on his length, eyes watering as she valiantly fought to be a dutiful pet.
“Spread your legs, girl.” Instead of holding her down, he took her in a single thrust. She was already slick with arousal. “You were ready.”
“With you, I’m insatiable, Sir.”
While he fucked her, he lifted his upper body so he could play with her clit.
Within seconds, without permission, she climaxed in a sensual gush that temporarily soothed his inner beast. She’d come. For him.
He dug his hands into her hair.
Because it would blur the lines, he had a rule not to kiss the women he trained. But the sight of her, her perfection, blasted away his determination. He held her and gently brushed his lips across hers.
Her eyes widened, and she looked at him. For a moment, it seemed she didn’t breathe.
And then, needing to give more, receive more, he took her again, claiming her as if they were making love.
She responded to his demand like she did everything else. With passionate abandon. She met him thrust for thrust and she shocked him by capturing the tip of his tongue between her teeth for a moment before letting go and becoming the aggressor. This was a side of her he’d never experienced, and it aroused him.
“Incredible,” she murmured after he ended the kiss. “That was…” She licked her upper lip. “Can I be on top, Sir?”
“Excuse me?”
“It must be the jeans. You gave me all these cowboy ideas, and I want to ride you.”
He grinned and considered her question. There was no danger of her forgetting their respective roles, so he put his hand beneath her buttocks and reversed their positions. “Straddle me then, girl. And remember, you need permission before you climax. I might excuse you one time. Might. But never twice.”
“After that kiss, Sir, that may not be possible.”
He pinched her.
“I mean, yes, of course, Sir.”
“That’s what I thought you meant.”
She rose onto her knees. She grasped his demanding cock, then she sank down on him. He gritted his teeth to prevent himself from coming too soon.
He held her to help guide her motions.
“Oh, yes,” she said. “That’s… I love the angle, Sir.”
He so enjoyed the sight of her breasts jostling. She was a beautiful sight, and he visually feasted on her as he filled her tight warmth.
“I think I’m going to come. Sir, may I?”
He let go of her and captured her nipples. “Do it,” he said, squeezing hard.
“Master Alexander!” She came, her internal muscles clamping down on him, hard.
Within a moment, he ejaculated. He pulled her tight against his chest as his balls drained. He held her for at least a minute as their breathing returned to normal.
She propped one elbow on the mattress near his head and she cradled his face between her palms in a tender move. “I like the way you fuck me, Sir. Thank you.”
“We’ll make a halfway decent sub out of you yet.” Another damn lie. She was perfect right now. “You have ten minutes before we leave for dinner. Be ready, waiting near the door, dressed and kneeling.”
She stayed where she was, as if she had all the time in the world.
“There are ways to punish you if you’re not ready on time,” he warned. “Ways you won’t enjoy.”
He clamped his hands on her waist, lifted her, then eased her to one side. “Go.”
With a grin, she scampered toward the bathroom.
The red marks were already fading from her skin. It didn’t appear he’d left any that would be visible at tomorrow night’s party. That realization didn’t please him.
He decided to shower in the guest bathroom, and when he headed downstairs to grab his keys, he found her exactly where she was supposed to be, kneeling up. “Well done.”
“I am such a very good sub, Sir. Just pointing it out in case you forgot.”
Humble, too. Even though she was right, he kept that to himself. “Stand up, lift your skirt, turn your back to me, then grab your ankles and ask me to slap you for being so saucy.”
She stood with the grace he demanded, despite the heels. And she flipped up the skirt, exposing her naked rear. No underwear. God save him. She performed an exquisite pivot then spread her legs so far apart that she revealed her pussy to him. She took her time and exaggerated her motions as she reached for her ankles.
“Stay there,” he said.
He went into the guest powder room and grabbed a condom. Minx wants to play with fire…? He rejoined her and teased her pussy with his fingers. “Freshly shaven?”
“Yes, Sir. I took the liberty of using yours while I showered.”
So damn hot.
Without any warning, he slapped her between the legs, hard. “I believe I instructed you to ask me to spank you.”
“Please spank me, Sir, for being so saucy.”
More than willing to oblige, he did so.
She froze, then a moment later, she pushed her bottom back toward him. “Again,” she demanded. “Please, Sir. Again.”
She was impossible to resist. Three more times, he gave her what she begged for before dropping his jeans. Looking at her damn pussy, he vigorously fisted his cock then rolled on a condom before gripping her hips and dragging her backward to meet his thrust, impaling her, making sure she’d never forget him.
She cried out from obvious shock. “Wow, Sir!”
He fucked her hard, holding her securely but penetrating deep, making it impossible for her to breathe.
On and on he went, trying to exorcise her from his mind, trying to satisfy her every womanly demand.
“Oh, Sir, I want to come.”
“You will have to wait.” He thrust into her, grunting, coming hard, and riding her until he drained out every drop of semen.
Then he pulled out and flipped her skirt back into place before helping her to stand.
“That…” As she faced him, she pressed a hand against her mouth.
The way she’d sucked his cock had wrecked her lipstick, and the sight satisfied him.
“Sir?”
“Always more than one way to punish a mouthy sub.” But that wasn’t what it was about. It was about the frustration of losing her.
He removed the condom and extended it toward her. “Be a good sub and dispose of this and the wrapper.”
“My pleasure, Sir.”
Her response made him blink. She bent to scoop the wrapper from the floor, then she took the filled latex from him. Without a single word of protest or wrinkling her nose, she went into the small bathroom.
He had finished securing his pants when she sashayed into the room, smiling happily. With a frown, he tipped his head to the side. “What are you up to?”
“I want to come, Sir. I figure behaving will help me earn it.” She flashed her rear as she grabbed her purse. “Besides, I like it when you lose control and fuck me all wild-like.”
“After you.” Until her, he’d been deliberate in how and where he fucked. No one goaded him. But she was getting to him.
And that meant only one thing.
He absolutely needed to turn her over to someone else.
How the hell would he be all right with a realization he despised?